BENGALURU: In a startling revelation, the Karnataka state government has reported that a staggering 1,216 farmers have taken their own lives between April 1, 2023, and August 4, 2024. These suicides, driven by a combination of severe drought, crop damage, inaccessible crops, and crushing debt burdens, highlight the deep crisis plaguing the agricultural sector in the state.
The Karnataka Revenue Department has meticulously compiled data on these suicides, painting a grim picture of the situation. The highest number of suicides were recorded in Belagavi district, where 126 farmers ended their lives. This was closely followed by Haveri with 122 suicides and Dharwad with 103. In stark contrast, no suicides were recorded in Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, and Udupi districts, offering a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak scenario.
The alarming figures underscore the urgent need for intervention, as North Karnataka, in particular, has seen a disproportionate number of these tragedies. Heavy rains, crop failures, and an inability to repay mounting bank loans have pushed many farmers to despair. In some heartbreaking cases, farmers have resorted to hanging themselves or ingesting poison in their fields, unable to see a way out of their financial woes.
In response to the crisis, the government has identified 1,015 of the 1,216 suicide cases as eligible for compensation. Of these, compensation has already been disbursed to the families of 998 farmers, while payments are pending in nine cases at the district collector’s level. Meanwhile, a decision is still pending in 21 cases. However, 171 cases were deemed ineligible for compensation due to various reasons, raising questions about the criteria used and the support extended to the affected families.
These figures reveal a troubling trend that shows no signs of abating. From 2013 to 2022, a total of 8,245 farmers committed suicide in Karnataka, with many citing crop damage, debt burdens, and harassment by creditors as the primary reasons. The period between 2015 and 2020 saw the highest number of suicides, with 1,525 cases recorded in 2015-16 alone. While there was a slight decrease in numbers in subsequent years, the recent spike has reignited concerns about the well-being of farmers in the state.
The recurrent nature of these tragedies points to the need for a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of farmer suicides in Karnataka. While drought and crop failure are commonly cited reasons, experts and officials alike agree that a detailed study is essential to uncover the deeper issues at play. This study should aim to identify not only the immediate triggers but also the systemic problems that drive farmers to such extreme measures.
A senior official from the Agriculture Department emphasised the importance of understanding why so many “food donors” are pushed to suicide. The government must prioritize this issue and work towards addressing the root causes to prevent further loss of life.
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the farmer suicides is the role of creditors and financial institutions. The relentless pressure from moneylenders and banks to repay loans, regardless of the farmers’ circumstances, has been a significant factor in many suicides. There is an urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement against moneylenders who harass farmers. Additionally, commercial and cooperative banks must be instructed to show restraint in loan repayment matters, offering flexibility and time extensions where necessary.
The government could play a crucial role by providing financial guarantees to banks on behalf of the farmers. By depositing security funds with these banks, the government can reduce the pressure on farmers and provide them with the breathing room they need to recover from setbacks.
Beyond financial assistance, there is a critical need for psychological support and counseling for farmers who are under immense stress. The respective district administrations should take the lead in organizing counseling sessions that foster hope and resilience among farmers. These sessions should focus on listening to the farmers’ problems, providing practical solutions, and reassuring them that suicide is not a viable answer to their challenges.
The BJP has condemned the Congress government’s anti-farmer policies, which they claim have driven farmers to suicide. The party state unit president B Y Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government has brought “misfortune and suicide” upon farmers, sparking widespread outrage.
The BJP cited several reasons for the dire situation, including the cancellation of Kisan Samman subsidy by the state, Rs 1,087 crore arrears in milk subsidy, reduction in drip irrigation scheme subsidy, price hike, and inadequate distribution of drought relief. These factors have pushed farmers to the brink, forcing them to take drastic measures.
The BJP said farmers in the state have taken their own lives in just 15 months due to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s anti-farmer moves. The party warned that the Congress government will not go unpunished for the “curse of the aggrieved farmer’s family”.
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